Dear Friends,

 

Frequently in my 28 years as an educator I’ve recognized how fortunate I am to have been chosen for this calling.  None more special than the joy I see in the eyes of students each day.  A few years ago for a “fundraiser” staff pooled money & gifted me a chance to teach a lesson on penguins to William Harris’ class.  I was nervous! Even as the principal, I was anxious to be the teacher that day.  All class William shook his head side to side, not sure I was “doing it right”.  By the end, he gave a thumbs up, his approval.

 

Meet William!

I met William Harris in middle school, now he’s a happy-go-lucky 18 year old that needs our support. William was born with Down Syndrome and Intractable Epilepsy.  During 8th grade at Madison he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. William underwent 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, and had multiple prolonged intensive care admissions, as a result of seizures and pneumonia.  William has conquered all and is still smiling!

As a result of the treatment, the chemotherapy left William with Osteonecrosis. This is a permanent deadening of the bone/joints, and in his case, the hips and shoulder. William is wheelchair bound, and enduring therapy at Marianjoy to build muscle to get back on his feet.

 

The Challenge!

 

The Harris' are in need of modifications for their home, but due to the financial status in Illinois they’ve been waiting for assistance with no promise of help arriving soon.  In addition to covering the cost of modifications, the medical bills are staggering.  There are several necessities that the Harris' need to ensure William's safety, as well as their own.

 ·   A stair lift to the second floor

·    A ramp leading into the house from the garage

·    An adjustable hospital bed

·    A handicapped accessible bathroom/remodel

 

Their Inspiration, Our Response!

You wouldn’t believe what the three of them are enduring every day; their strength is incredible and with your support, we can lighten their load. No one is more worthy than William becoming more independent in his own home.  Like all parents, they want to offer the best care in the safest environment for William! We can help.

 

HELP NOW!

 

I am being “arrested” as part of WILLIAM'S JAIL & BAIL EVENT on Saturday, April 23rd.  As part of this event, I’m reaching out to friends, family, & colleagues seeking warm hearts to dig into deep pockets to donate.  Honestly, I’m not sure how the event works, I’m supposed to earn money to raise bail, but, I just want to raise as much money as possible!

 

Don’t wait until April 23, donate today!  I’m competitive; I bet you are, too!   This is personal to me.

1.  I love kids.

2.  I love William!

3.  His family is an inspiration of positivity (His mom, Jeanette, the District Supervisor of Health Services) has a radiant smile and positive outlook on life.  She and husband Joe have a 2013 NCHS graduate who attends Marquette and is William’s hero.

www.crowdrise.com/erinanderson13

 

Erin Anderson, Principal Madison JHS

Madison Warhawks are off to a fantastic start to the year. Our motto this year, RISE on, is an acronym for Renovate, Inspire, Succeed, Engage.

rise
rīz/
verb
verb: rise; 1. move from a lower position to a higher one; come or go up.

Driving by Madison it’s easy to see an amazing transformation that came with our summer renovation. This extensive project fulfilled many needs of our school community including providing a more secure front door and entry system as well as a designated School Resource officer location that is visible and easily accessible. New work spaces including an improved work room, conference room and enlarged health office. A focus at Madison is collaboration and teamwork. Our counseling staff were relocated and part of a student services wing of the school, partnering with our social worker, psychologist and speech pathologist. Finally, our main office has finally been consolidated into one unit with the administrative team and office team all in one easy location.

While these renovations with a beautiful exterior and paint on the walls have reinvigorated us, the inspiration goes well beyond bricks and mortar. Our goal is to always “Inspire”. As we finished the year, our students, staff and community came together to engage in the last day, “Amazing Race”. That spirit of camaraderie and fun has carried on into the school year. Our staff find inspiration in designing powerful learning experiences meant to meet each child’s learning needs.

Success comes in many facets. It may be in opening the locker for the first time, making the volleyball team, achieving a personal best in the physical education mile, or reading that special book that inspires creativity. Success comes in the smiles of those who try and in the persistence of those who are challenged. At Madison, we work to celebrate the successes of everyone, each and every day.

Finally, engage. This is an open invitation to everyone. Engage with life. Engage with one another in a positive and supportive way. When learning, engage actively by doing your best. When you are listening, engage fully by not multitasking but instead, truly listening to the message. Parents, engage with your child. Know who the friends are. Listen to the concerns. Support the struggles and celebrate the accomplishments.

Welcome to Madison Junior High!  We hope your summer has been relaxing and fulfilling.  We are pleased to welcome you to another year of fun, growth and challenge at Madison.  School begins Wednesday, August 20, 2014 with a full day of classes from 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. 

This summer has been a time for renovation and change at Madison.  We have many construction projects in their final phase of completion.  We look forward to our re-vamped front entry, reconfigured main office, and the new student service wing near the LRC.  Please pardon dust as we finish these projects for the start of school. 

1. Design and implement effective practices that promote learning experiences for all.
2. Foster a high-performance culture focused on student learning.
3. Steward resources effectively to promote student learning.
4. Effective communication and community relations.